Save-the-date for European Vocational Skills Week

March 13, 2017

The 2nd European Vocational Skills Week will take place on 20 to 24 November 2017. Below please find a letter from Commissioner Marianne Thyssen:

The First European Vocational Skills Week in 2016 showed us just how much so many people care about making sure vocational education and training (VET) is seen as an equal first choice to other routes in preparing for great careers.

Indeed, our Week last year attracted nearly 1000 associated events and activities across Europe that reached nearly 800,000 people. To capitalise on this energy and enthusiasm, I have decided to organise a Second European Vocational Skills Week. It will take place from 20 to 24 November 2017.

We will continue our theme of “Discover Your Talent”: inspiring people to galvanise their abilities through quality VET, at all stages of their lives, on-the-move, and equipped with labour market-relevant skills that lead to fulfilling personal and professional lives.

This year we are adding to the message of quality and excellence in VET. We want to draw attention to the mobility of VET learners and quality apprentices. We want to boost partnerships between businesses and VET providers. And we want to bring the spotlight on sectoral approaches to address skills mismatches and respond to rapidly changing skill needs, as a means to foster innovation, competitiveness and excellence.

We again look forward to your enthusiastic involvement. As for last year, we hope to see many national, regional and local events and activities taking place across Europe, not only during the week, but throughout the year. More details will be published on our website. For now, please mark this week in your diary and start to think about initiatives in your area that could inspire more people to discover the opportunities offered through VET. I look forward to work together with you to make the 2017 Vocational Skills Week an even greater success!